The Peacemaker

He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
-Ephesians 2:17-20

For years I've been interested in the stories of the indigenous tribes of North America, and I often see wisdom in these old stories that points me to the heart of Jesus. 

The Onondaga Nation just south of Syracuse have a story they have told for over a thousand years, about the time when the Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, and Seneca people finally ceased warring against each other. The story goes that the great Creator had been watching and saddened by all that the people had become. They had forgotten the ancient ways, and lived violently. So the Creator decided to send a messenger to them, that they might one day learn to live in peace. He was known as the Peacemaker. He was given a special spirit and a special message. 

As the Peacemaker began to spread the Creator's message, nations listened and agreed to stop their warring. But the final greatest barrier to working together came from an evil Onondaga man named Tadodaho. 

Tadodaho was a sorcerer who loved lawlessness and wars, and the people feared him greatly. He was terrifying to look at, and it was said that his mind and body were both so tangled up that snakes writhed in his hair. Every time the idea of working together in harmony would emerge, he brought those conversations to a halt through power, chaos, and fear. 

The Peacemaker gathered the leaders from all the other nations to come together and confront Tadodaho. Again, he used his sorcery to try to hinder them as they traveled toward him, but the message of peace was too strong. However, upon reaching him, the Peacemaker did not condemn or overpower Tadodaho. The Peacemaker stepped forward and told him that he would have a new purpose. Tadodaho would be chosen to watch over the entire confederacy. He was powerful, and he would now be called to use his power to guide the council with thoughts of peace.




In the midst of this, the Peacemaker "combed the snakes out of Tadodaho's hair." Tadodaho agreed to this new offer. He became calmer, now no longer thinking of jealousy, war, or revenge. From now on, his energy would be used for others, not against them.

Beautiful story, isn't it? I find it breathtaking. There are plenty of implications, but it got me thinking about the season of Lent that we're in right now. It's a time to journey into the desert with Jesus. A time to go inward, and feel all the weakness and frailty. It's a time repent and remember that we have to trust Jesus for redemption because we can't get there on our own. Honestly, it's a time to let Jesus comb the snakes out of our hair. It's a chance to let the Peacemaker do his work. 

I hate snakes. I'll probably never write about them again. But I know I've always got some on my head, like Tadodaho. There's something in me that wants to pull toward selfishness and twistedness when I'm tired and discouraged. Something in me that would rather not do the work of wholeness, harmony, and connection. A pull that resists working for peace on the most personal and most public levels. 

But I love the Peacemaker's way of defeating evil. It is so imaginative. Rather than Tadodaho being thrown in a pit or destroyed, his skills are repurposed for the sake of others. 
I can't help but think of Jesus' conversation with Peter on the shoreline, when Peter can hardly look him in the eye after he's lost his way. And Jesus, far from condemnation, invites him to use everything that has happened-- every passion, every struggle, every failure- and use it all to lead with wisdom and love. You are redeemed. Now feed my sheep. 

If you've got some snakes in your hair too, take some time to let Jesus finally get to work with a grace-filled comb. He won't exclude you. He'll forgive and surprise you with a fresh purpose. You can breathe deeply in his love, because you've got a role to play in God's ongoing redemption. 

Jesus, move me into repentance and grace, so that I can join in your beautiful work. 

Peace,
Keith

*Artist Credit: Oren Lyons

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